The Caps started what might be their most anticipated season with a nearly perfect game. Alex Ovechkin had two goals and an assist and Brooks Laich added two power play goals after getting nine all of last season.

Jose Theodore let Semyon Varlamov know that there will be a serious competition for the no. 1 goalie spot. Theodore didn’t allow a goal until 7:56 in the third when the Caps already led 4-0. It came on a shorthanded breakaway and he got a piece of the puck before it trickled in.

There were many reasons for Washington to be optimistic after this game against the top team in the East last year. The Caps were efficient on the power play, scoring twice in five opportunities. Ovechkin got off to a quick start with three points on opening night. The secondary scoring was there, Nicklas Backstrom had three assists, Alexander Semin had two. And Theodore was strong in the net.

The Caps head back to Washington for their home opener Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs.